Definition

Noroviruses refer to a group of viruses. They cause inflammation of the stomach and intestines. This is often called
gastroenteritis
or stomach flu. In the US, noroviruses are the second leading cause of illness and often results in “outbreaks” where multiple cases occur among people who live or eat in common close quarters. Outbreaks have occurred in settings such as:

Cruise ships

Restaurants

Nursing homes

Hospitals

Any other location where the virus can spread quickly to a large group of people

Causes

These viruses are highly contagious. They are spread by fecal to oral contamination of water and food.

Infection can occur as a result of contaminated:

Municipal water supplies, recreational lakes, swimming pools, wells, water stored on cruise ships, among other sources

Raw (or improperly steamed) shellfish, especially clams and oysters

Food and drinks (due to infected food handlers who either do not wash their hands or wash their hands improperly after using the bathroom)

Surfaces (eg, touching a door knob and then placing hands in mouth)

The viruses can also spread by direct contact with an ill person. This is common in a daycare center or nursing home. Food is also a major source of norovirus infection.

Risk Factors

The following factors increase your chance of developing noroviruses:

Age: more common in adults and children than the very young

Being exposed to a contaminated water supply (eg, recreational lake)

Consuming contaminated foods or liquids

Touching contaminated surfaces

Taking care of someone who is infected with the virus (eg, in a nursing home or daycare center): A person is contagious from the start of symptoms to at least three days
after
recovery. Sometimes it can be up to three weeks.

Even if you have been infected with norovirus in the past, you can become ill again if:

It is a different strain

It is more than 24 months since your last exposure

Symptoms

If you have any of these do not assume it is due to norovirus. These may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor:

Nausea

Vomiting:
An infected person may vomit often (sometimes violently and without warning) during one day.

This may require medical attention, especially in children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

Prevent dehydration by drinking a lot of fluids, including water and juice.

After exposure to the virus, symptoms often appear within 24-48 hours. You may feel ill within 12 hours. Symptoms often last about 24-60 hours.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Diagnosis can be made based on a stool specimen. Often, your doctor can determine this illness without ordering any lab tests.

Treatment

Currently, there are no treatments. Because gastroenteritis is caused by a virus, antibiotics cannot cure it. There are no antiviral medicines or vaccines. The illness is often brief.

The only complication is dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea. In certain groups of people, this may require a hospital stay to replenish fluids.

Prevention

Noroviruses can survive extreme heat and cold. The virus can also live in water with up to 10 parts per million of chlorine. This is much higher than what public water supplies have. However, there are ways to limit exposure.

To help reduce your chance of getting noroviruses take the following steps:

Wash your hands
thoroughly after using the bathroom (or changing diapers). This is very important before handling food or eating. If you are caring for someone who is infected, make sure the person thoroughly washes his or her hands.
Alcohol hand wipes and gels do not kill norovirus. Soap and water are much more effective

Wash fruits and vegetables. Steam oysters and clams.

Do not prepare food if you have symptoms. Wait three days after you have recovered before handling food again.

Throw away contaminated food.

If you are ill or caring for someone who is ill, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces using bleach cleaner. Remove and wash soiled linens. Use hot water and soap.

If you are sick, do not attend work. Staying home will prevent you from passing the virus to others.

If you work in a healthcare facility, isolate sick individuals to reduce the virus from spreading.

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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

DISCLAIMER: This information is intended for educational purposes. EBSCO is in no way liable for the use of this information and makes no warranty or guarantee as to its accuracy.